Effect of tool geometry and process condition on static strength of a magnesium friction stir lap linear weld

Friction stir lap linear welding is conducted on overlapped AZ31 magnesium plates with different welding tools. Welds are made mainly with the orientation such that the weld retreating side on the upper plate is to be placed under load. Welding tools consist of a concave shoulder and a pin having a cylindrical, or triangular, or pie shape. This work addresses the effects of tool geometry and process condition on lap shear strength of welds. The shape of the hook formed due to upward bending of the plate interface on the retreating side and the strength of friction stir processed material are quantitatively characterized. Compared to the cylindrical tool, the triangular tool effectively suppresses the hook on the retreating side due to enhanced horizontal material flow. This primarily leads to a 78% increase in optimized weld strength. A 'pure' shear surface present on the tool pin significantly reduces weld strength. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.